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SDLA Compliance Resource

Develop, Evaluate, Update, and Approve the Annual SPSA

A school-level continuous-improvement cycle joining verified needs, educational-partner input, measurable goals, strategies, expenditures, implementation evidence, and governing approval.

  • SPSA
  • Schoolsite Council
  • Title I
Date(s)Annual local cycle; approve before or during the 2026–27 year being implemented; no statewide fixed deadline
Applies toSchools operating a Title I schoolwide program and/or eligible for CSI or ATSI, subject to the single-school district/charter LCAP option where applicable

In Plain Language: The Schoolsite Council evaluates the prior plan, completes a data-based needs assessment, develops and approves goals/actions/expenditures, obtains ELAC advice when required, recommends the plan to the LEA governing board/body, and monitors implementation throughout the year.

Why this matters

The SPSA is not a once-a-year template exercise. Spending without an approved strategy, skipping SSC/ELAC roles, or failing to evaluate results breaks the link between identified needs, categorical funds, and school improvement.

Primary ownership

Primary owner: principal with Schoolsite Council chair. Governance owners: SSC and LEA governing board/body. Partners: ELAC, teachers, classified staff, families, pupils, Title I/fiscal, CSI/ATSI leads, data team, and LCAP coordinator.

Operational workflow

  1. 1. Confirm applicability, SSC composition/election/meeting compliance, ELAC role, allocations, and local board calendar.
  2. 2. Evaluate prior goals, implementation, expenditures, outcomes, and educational-partner feedback; complete the needs assessment.
  3. 3. Develop measurable goals, evidence-based strategies, services, budgets, responsibilities, and monitoring milestones aligned with LCAP/federal requirements.
  4. 4. Obtain required ELAC advice, SSC development/approval, and governing-board/body approval; respond to any rejection with specific reasons.
  5. 5. Implement, monitor, retain evidence, and route material changes through the required approval process.

Implementation pathway

Applicability/governance
Evaluate/needs
Build plan/budget
SSC/ELAC/board
Implement/monitor

Evidence to retain

  • SSC composition/election and agendas/minutes
  • Prior-plan evaluation and needs data
  • ELAC advice and partner engagement
  • Approved SPSA and budget crosswalk
  • Governing action
  • Implementation/monitoring and material amendments

Official guidance and help

Source review completed August 30, 2026. Verify current CDE, governing, Dashboard, school-plan, SARC, safety, instructional-materials, local-calendar, and legal instructions before acting.